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Commission amends accessory‑structure height rule, recommends 26‑ft baseline and forwards change to county commission
Summary
After lengthy debate, the commission suggested changing the accessory‑structure height allowance (if principal setbacks are met) to a 26‑foot baseline with an incremental 1 foot of additional height for every 10 feet the structure is set further from the property line; the amended recommendation was forwarded to the county commission.
The commission considered a staff proposal to revise maximum heights for accessory structures in residential districts. The staff draft set accessory structures meeting accessory setbacks at a 22‑foot limit and allowed up to 30 feet where accessory structures meet principal‑structure setbacks or match primary building materials and roof pitch.
Commissioners questioned whether 30 feet was excessive in neighborhood contexts. One commissioner proposed an amendment to set the baseline at 26 feet for accessory structures that meet principal setbacks and to allow an additional 1 foot of height for every 10 feet the structure is placed farther from the property line. The amendment also preserved a countywide maximum of 35 feet for all structures for fire‑protection reasons.
The commission approved the amendment and voted to forward the resolution, as suggested, to the county commission. Commissioners and staff said the change is intended to reduce the number of ad‑hoc height variances before the Board of Zoning Appeals while still protecting neighbors from overpowering tall accessory buildings in small‑lot subdivisions. As chair summarized, the suggested amendment would be part of the planning commission’s recommendation to the county commission.
